Isaiah 10:14

14 My hand has found like a nest the wealth of the peoples; and as men gather eggs that have been forsaken so I have gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved a wing, or opened the mouth, or chirped."

Isaiah 10:14 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people,
&c.] With that ease as a man finds a nest of birds, and takes them: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left;
by the bird, who not sitting upon them, there is none to protect them; whereas, when they are sat upon by the bird, she will flutter with her wings, and strike with her bill, and preserve them as well as she can: have I gathered all the earth;
the kingdoms and inhabitants of it, there being none to resist, or that dared to do it, as follows: and there was none that moved the wing;
as a bird will do, when its young or eggs are taken away from it: or opened the mouth, or peeped;
chattered, clucked, or expressed any grief, uneasiness, or resentment; the Targum is,

``that opened his mouth, and spoke a word.''

Isaiah 10:14 In-Context

12 When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem he will punish the arrogant boasting of the king of Assyria and his haughty pride.
13 For he says: "By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I have removed the boundaries of peoples, and have plundered their treasures; like a bull I have brought down those who sat on thrones.
14 My hand has found like a nest the wealth of the peoples; and as men gather eggs that have been forsaken so I have gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved a wing, or opened the mouth, or chirped."
15 Shall the axe vaunt itself over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!
16 Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts, will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.